16
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.
17
Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so are their neighbors also.
18
My child, from your youth choose discipline, and when you have gray hair you will still find wisdom.
19
Come to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good harvest. For when you cultivate her you will toil but little, and soon you will eat of her produce.
20
She seems very harsh to the undisciplined; fools cannot remain with her.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.